V. parahaemolyticus is considered to be part of the autochthonous microflora in the estuarine and coastal
environments in tropical to temperate zones. While V. parahaemolyticus typically is undetectable in seawater at
10°C or lower, it can be cultured from sediments throughout the year at temperatures as low as 1°C. In temperate
zones, the life cycle consists of a phase of survival in winter in sediments and a phase of release with the
zooplankton when the temperature of the water increases up to 14 - 19 °C. V. parahaemolyticus is characterized
by its rapid growth under favourable conditions.